(ZENIT News / Vatican City, 01.17.2024).- Vatican City has enacted sweeping new measures to deter unauthorized access. The decree, promulgated on December 19, 2024, introduces harsher penalties for those who breach its borders.
A City Beyond the Basilica
While millions of visitors flock annually to St. Peter’s Square, the basilica, and the famed Vatican Museums, much of Vatican City remains strictly off-limits. The heightened restrictions are a response to growing concerns over potential threats and unauthorized incursions into areas vital to the Vatican’s operations, diplomacy, and governance.
The decree, signed by Cardinal Fernando Vérgez, LC, President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, redefines the legal framework governing access. It emphasizes that Vatican City is not just a pilgrimage site but also a sovereign state with borders that demand respect.
New Penalties: Financial Fines and Prison Sentences
Under the updated rules, fines for unauthorized entry now range from €10,000 to €25,000. In more severe cases—such as entry involving violence, threats, or deceit—offenders face prison terms of one to four years.
Additional sanctions apply to those using expired permits or failing to meet entry requirements, with administrative fines between €2,000 and €5,000. The decree outlines aggravated penalties for offenses involving firearms, corrosive substances, or disguise, as well as for acts committed by groups or individuals in vehicles. In these cases, sentences may increase by up to two-thirds.
Drones and No-Fly Zones
The Vatican’s new legislation also targets unauthorized aerial incursions, reflecting the growing prevalence of drone technology. Violators of the no-fly zone over Vatican City face imprisonment of six months to three years and fines up to €25,000. This measure aims to safeguard sensitive areas and prevent surveillance or potential security breaches from above.
Exclusion Orders and Prolonged Bans
One of the decree’s most notable features is the introduction of long-term bans on reentry. Individuals found guilty of illegal entry may be prohibited from accessing Vatican territory for up to 15 years. Violators of these bans could face further imprisonment ranging from one to five years.
This marks a significant shift in the Vatican’s approach to repeat offenders, underscoring the seriousness of its commitment to territorial integrity.
Swift Justice for Offenders
The decree also accelerates judicial processes for those caught violating these regulations. The Vatican’s promoter of justice is now empowered to summon offenders to appear before the court the day after their arrest or immediately following an interrogation.
Balancing Accessibility and Sovereignty
While the Vatican remains an epicenter of global pilgrimage, these measures highlight the challenges of managing a territory that is both a spiritual hub and a sovereign state. The new laws seek to strike a balance between welcoming the faithful and ensuring that the city-state’s critical operations and sanctity are not compromised.
Cardinal Vérgez emphasized that these regulations are not intended to discourage visitors but to protect the integrity of Vatican City’s mission. “The Vatican’s openness to the world must coexist with the security necessary to preserve its spiritual and administrative heart,” he stated.
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